Gavin Irwin

"A criminal barrister with the finesse and smoothness to switch very easily to the corporate or commercial context...a skilled negotiator...he understands a case from the technical, commercial and human angles"

representing medical professionals in discipline proceedings brought by the GMC and GDC

representing medical professionals and entities in a number of high-profile Inquests

Sanctions and Export Licensing Experience

In the recent past, Gavin has advised:

a UK national on Russia sanctions issues relating to the ownership and management of property in Crimea

a UK company in criminal proceedings brought by HMRC for breaches of the Chemical Weapons Convention

an Iranian national with business interests in the UK on sanctions and export licensing issues arising from the withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA and the United Kingdom from the European Union

a UK manufacturing company on export licensing issues with Turkey, arising from recent inclusions on the US Bureau of Industry and Security’s ‘Entity List’

a UK based oil and gas services company on sanctions relating to projects in West Kurdistan / Northern Syria

a UK based manufacturing company on export licensing issues arising from end-user concerns for dual-use goods in UAE and Pakistan

a UK based tech company in an Export Control Joint Unit investigation into the export of cryptographic software to Russia

a UK based company with a global presence in the oil and gas services industry in an HMRC investigation arising from the export of high performance machine parts to Iran

In addition, Gavin represented a defendant in proceedings at the Central Criminal Court (brought under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979) for exporting cobalt aluminate to Iran via the Czech Republic. The security and intelligence services are concerned that CoAl may be the critical ingredient in a ‘suitcase dirty bomb’ – a small, portable, nuclear device.

“A very effective and charming advocate, whom juries find very engaging: if, like him, you cross-examine with a smile on your face, you get a lot more information and the jury will listen.” “He’s very dignified and intelligent.” (Chambers UK 2020)

“A criminal barrister with the finesse and smoothness to switch very easily to the corporate or commercial context…a skilled negotiator…he understands a case from the technical, commercial and human angles” (Chambers UK 2018)

“An advocate who is clear and polite in court, and a skilled manager of challenging personalities … an intelligent, sensible advocate who is direct with the judge … [h]is tactical awareness is very good, and he has excellent knowledge of the law.” (Chambers UK, 2017)

“… has a tremendously good manner with prosecutors, judges and clients.” (Chambers UK, 2016)

“Very good indeed, he gets stuck in and does the work … very clued-up and switched on.” (Chambers UK, 2015)

“knows the law, and is very user friendly … obvious commitment to clients … very responsive” (Chambers UK, 2014)

Need more information about the above Barristers?Talk to one of our clerks: +44 (0)20 7353 5324

Covid-19

Chambers is adopting a “business as usual” approach during this difficult period but all members of chambers, clerks and administration will be operating safely and efficiently from home save for court appearances.